Build, Then Grow: Why I’m Investing in Myself in 2025

Happy new year! (Apparently January 15th is the last day we’re supposed to say that but, since it’s my first newsletter of the year, I’m going rogue and saying it anyway - sorry not sorry!)?

Either way, it’s 2025: a brand new year, a chapter waiting to be written, an adventure waiting to be discovered.?

Last month I shared my word for 2025 after, honestly, a real rollercoaster of a 2024 – growth.?

And, you know me, I don’t do things by halves. It’s going to be a BIG year, and I want to share everything I have coming up. Because you guys have been on this journey with me every step of the way, so far. And I cannot wait to bring you all with me as I jump into my craziest year yet!?

Leaving the hustle behind?

So, before we go on – you might have noticed that things look a little different around here. For a start, this newsletter is no longer called the Monthly Hustle.?

When I started the Monthly Hustle back in November 2021, I was a different person! We’d all been navigating the pandemic, Blended turned one, and Let’s Talk Supply Chain had just turned three, so I was juggling the AsiaPac franchise alongside Shipz and a LOT of learning.?

It’s safe to say I was very much in my hustle era. And, at the time, I was happy with that. I was grateful for the hustle mentality, I gave it credit for a lot of my success.?

But, over the last few years, I’ve been on a personal journey (actually, I’m still on it!) I’ve learned the hard way that grinding and hustling is not a badge of honor. It’s a sure-fire way to end up tired, anxious, and unfocused.?

By paying more attention to myself, and my self-worth, I’ve been able to slow down, assess what I’m good at (and what I’m not so good at!) and achieve clarity. I’ve been able to understand my successes and failures, figure out what I love, and make the best decisions, for my businesses and myself. And I’ve realized that we need to celebrate progress over perfection.?????

So, from now on, I’m cutting myself some slack and asking you to do the same. Put an end to hustle culture, listen to your heart, and move forward with intent.?

New year, fresh look?

And to honor that progress, I’ve had a bit of a makeover ... say hello to my new personal brand! ?

When I say that ‘growth’ is my word of the year, of course I’m talking about my brands Let’s Talk Supply Chain, Blended, and the Secret Society of Supply Chain.?

But this year, more than ever, I’m talking about myself.?

Attending the Summit of Greatness last year really helped me to understand the importance of investing in myself. And that means really seeing myself as not just the host of Let’s Talk Supply Chain, but as Sarah. I’m so proud of my supply chain career, but I’ve come to realize that I’m more than just my work in the supply chain space.?

Lewis Howes was the reason I started my podcast and, through the years, I kind of lost sight of that original purpose and dream. But my self-worth journey, and the process of re-focusing on myself, has really brought that back into the spotlight. I have personal goals and ambitions outside of supply chain. In the future, I want to develop my own summit event around self-worth, and interview people that have been a true inspiration to me, and others.?

And to do all that, I need to stand tall, stand proud, and empower myself - so that I can empower others on their own self-worth journeys.??

NEW Website?

?????? One way I’m doing that is through my brand-new website: sarahbarneshumphrey.com

Go check it out!

This will be the hub for all things Sarah, and will grow over time as I do. And one big achievement will soon be on show, front and center, there. Remember last month when I said I had some exciting news? Well, I’m beyond excited to announce that I’m being honored by the inspirational and multi-talented Sutton Strake - Real Housewife of Beverly Hills, entrepreneur and icon. I’ll be attending her "Women Pioneers of Circular Fashion" event in New York, where I’ll be recognized for my sustainability efforts alongside Rachel Van Metre Kibbe and Indré Rockefeller. I’m genuinely humbled at the thought of standing next to such trail blazers in the industry, and I will be shamelessly photo dumping on my website next month.?

But I also need your help! I have a LOT of ideas, and I want to know what you would love to see from me. ‘Ask me anything’ insta live? Self-worth advice, direct to your inbox? Career ‘agony aunt’ blog series?! Let me know, because I want to keep you at the heart of everything I do.??

So stay tuned and keep an eye on the website for your extra dose of Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, and updates on all my exciting upcoming projects.?

Leaving a legacy?

What do Carmen Electra, Rudy Mawer and me have in common? Well, as of 2025, we’re all Legacy Makers.?

I am BEYOND excited to announce that, this year, I’ll have my own episode of the inspirational TV series.?

Now, you know I’ve been on TV before. But, this time, it won’t be as a nervous wreck promoting Denise Richard’s hair care line! It will be to share my story, what I’ve learned about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and to spotlight the importance of resilience and self-worth in nurturing success.?

I’m headed to Miami for filming in April, and I cannot wait for the full experience. The hair, the makeup – I’m going to have to practice not bursting into fits of giggles when they try to capture shots of me looking wistfully out the window!?

But, seriously, I’m really proud of this. I’ve always pushed, always dreamed. But I’m not sure I ever thought I’d find myself where I am now, a legacy maker. And just getting warmed up!?

Turning the page?

My voice is on podcasts, my face will soon be on TV. Next: I’m putting my words on the page. That’s right – I’m writing a book.?

Now, it’s still early days so I can’t share too much (even though I’m desperate to!) But I can say that my book will continue to explore the themes I talk about here, and on my socials. It will be about building a path to self-worth, dealing with setbacks, and finding your superpower. It will be a timely reminder that life is a journey, that nobody is perfect – and that all our experiences, good and bad, shape who we are, strengthen our superpowers, and make us uniquely, imperfectly, amazing.???

And my upcoming book isn’t the only place I’ll be putting pen to paper. This year, I’ll be working with Forbes Councils on an exclusive blog series. I’ll be sharing more of my experiences and what I’ve learned from the ups and downs of business and life.?????

Well, that reminded me how much work I have to do! But, man, am I excited.?

And remember: this is all only a few years after losing my job and having to sell my home. So if you find yourself in a tough spot this January, don’t give up. You, too, can build and grow.

It’s all about taking small steps and remembering that progress is always better than perfection.?